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Assistive technologies in caring for the oldest old: a review of current practice and future directions

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Dame Louise Robinson, Dr Grant Gibson, Dr Andrew KingstonORCiD, Dr Lisa Newton, Dr Gary Pritchard, Dr Tracy Finch, Professor Katie Brittain

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Abstract

Our aging populations have led to concern as to whether existing care provision will cope with the predicted future demand. The oldest old (those over 85 years) are a particular challenge; they are the fastest growing sector of our population and have high rates of comorbidity and cognitive impairment. Assistive technologies provide one possible solution to promote independence for older individuals, but are often underutilized in routine care. In this perspective, we consider how assistive technology can support the future care of the oldest old. First, we summarize the evidence on the health of the oldest old and their current use of assistive technology with a review on the evidence to date on the effectiveness, and potential benefits, of assistive technology. We then discuss the ethical issues associated with the use of assistive technology in this population and, finally, identify key directions for future research and service development in this field.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Robinson L, Gibson G, Kingston A, Newton L, Pritchard G, Finch T, Brittain K

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Aging Health

Year: 2013

Volume: 9

Issue: 4

Pages: 365-375

Print publication date: 01/08/2013

ISSN (print): 1745-509X

ISSN (electronic): 1745-5103

Publisher: Future Medicine Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/ahe.13.35

DOI: 10.2217/ahe.13.35

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